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2012 BMW 650i Coupe: Review notes

February 16, 2012

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: What an absolute beauty this 2012 BMW 650i coupe is--a rolling piece of bad-boy automotive sculpture. The proportions, the lines, the stance, the height, the low roofline, the paint—everything about the car tells me that the designers and stylist won a lot of the arguments when it came to drawing up the plans for the 6-series. Not that the engineers didn't get some of what they wanted--a long, low hood for a massive powerplant, and a low, wide stance to give the car pitch-perfect handling and ride. The car is really stunning from virtually every angle--so much so that it takes a while to register that this is such a big vehicle.

Settle in behind the wheel, and that's when the supersize of the coupe begins to strike you--the long hood, the wide cabin and the ample interior room (at least for the front seats). But once the car is rolling and up to speed, especially when running in sport mode, there's ample road feel and direct control to make the car feel much more nimble than its size might suggest. The car rips off the line and has ample reserves to dial up instant acceleration, even at higher speeds.

It all happens within a quiet and controlled interior, where little intrudes from the outside and intuitive comfort and support are the top priorities. I think iDrive is finally coming into its own as a strong controller of basic systems, though it still makes some functions nearly impossible to use while driving.

What an exciting, exhilarating automobile.

ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I can't disagree with Bob in regards to the looks of the new 6-series coupe—it's a stunning piece. The previous 6-series was more rounded and still looks decent even today, but the new car, with its more defined lines, will age a little more gracefully, I think.

This is certainly a grand-touring car. The old car was big but the new car is even bigger, with a 2.9-inch growth in body length and a 2.95-inch-longer wheelbase. The cabin is roomy with an attractive leather-wrapped dashboard and quality materials throughout. There's generous room for front passengers and serviceable back-seat space.

Then there's the car's lively personality. The twin-turbocharged V8 is smooth and delivers power everywhere in the rev range, with peak torque available between 1,750 rpm and 4,500 rpm. However, the one small knock against it is the throttle tip-in. It was the same with our long-term BMW 750Li as it is here. There is a slight lull after you press the throttle before the engine responds and propels you forward.

The engine is bolted to a stellar ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with quick upshifts and downshifts. The manual shift mode is also one of the best ones available on a torque-converted automatic box, with good response and rev-matching on downshifts.

Being a BMW, the 650i handles itself incredibly well. Punch up sport-plus to stiffen the suspension along with the optional active roll stabilization and meaty 20-inch performance tires, and this big Bimmer is easy to sling around. It dives around corners with good grip, plenty of composure and doesn't feel like a 4,200-pound vehicle. In straights it gracefully glides down the expressway and can get you in trouble. If you don't pay attention, you'll be cruising at 80 mph-plus without knowing it.

For just touring around town, slot the car into comfort and the 650i softens up and copes with potholes and bumps with ease, even with the low-profile tires. Function-wise, as I said, the back seat can hold a couple people for short rides, and the trunk is also a decent size.

This is a very good redo by BMW on the new 6-series. Now, let's get some seat time in the 560-hp M6.